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Pochettino believes Alli is ready to thrive in the second half of the season, but has moved to temper expectations around the 21-year-old midfielder.

'Dele has been good in the last few games, he's started to improve,' said Pochettino.

'And we've started to recognise the player again who has achieved so much in the last two seasons.

Spurs boss Pochettino feels Alli has now turned a corner after a patchy run earlier this term

'For me there's no doubt about his quality and potential. But because he's young, he needs to breathe sometimes, take some time, then again perform in the same way.

'From day one when he started to play here at Tottenham and achieve, not one other young player of his age (has achieved as much). Not Cristiano Ronaldo, not Frank Lampard, not Wayne Rooney, massive players, great players - he has achieved more than all those big names.

'The problem is the expectation. We expect from him in every touch, every action, unbelievable things. And sometimes that's not possible.'

Spurs boss Pochettino praised his star, saying: 'Dele has been good in the last few games'

Asked whether his 2018 resolutions included winning a trophy this season, Pochettino insisted Spurs can only focus on building a consistent run of victories.

'Dreams, always,' said Pochettino when quizzed on Spurs' trophy chances.

'It's good to dream, but of course if we want to win some trophies we need to beat Swansea, West Ham and then Wimbledon in the FA Cup.

'The most important thing is to go step by step and try to win every game.'